Best time to visit Kenya
A month-by-month guide to weather, wildlife viewing, crowds, and prices—so you can time your trip with confidence.
Quick recommendation
- Best all-round months: June–October (dry season) and January–February (warm and mostly dry).
- Best for safari: July–October for the Maasai Mara + Great Migration; June is also excellent with fewer crowds.
- Best value: November and March (shoulder months) if you can accept mixed weather.
- Months to be flexible: April–May (long rains) unless you want low rates and can handle wet conditions.
Month-by-month breakdown
Use this table to match your priorities (wildlife vs weather vs price). Conditions vary by region and altitude.
| Month | Weather | Wildlife highlights | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Hot, mostly dry | Medium | Great in many parks; good for coast | Medium |
| Feb | Hot, mostly dry | Medium | Great in many parks; good for coast | Medium |
| Mar | Long rains (wetter) | Low | Wildlife still present; road conditions vary | Low–Medium |
| Apr | Long rains (wetter) | Low | Wildlife still present; road conditions vary | Low–Medium |
| May | Long rains (wetter) | Low | Wildlife still present; road conditions vary | Low–Medium |
| Jun | Cooler, dry season | High | Peak safari; Great Migration (Jul–Oct) | High |
| Jul | Cooler, dry season | High | Peak safari; Great Migration (Jul–Oct) | High |
| Aug | Cooler, dry season | High | Peak safari; Great Migration (Jul–Oct) | High |
| Sep | Cooler, dry season | High | Peak safari; Great Migration (Jul–Oct) | High |
| Oct | Cooler, dry season | High | Peak safari; Great Migration (Jul–Oct) | High |
| Nov | Short rains | Low–Medium | Good value; parks are green | Medium |
| Dec | Warm, mostly dry | High | Festive season; beach + safari combo | High |
Weather overview
Kenya’s seasons vary by altitude and region. The interior highlands are cooler, while the coast stays warm year-round. The long rains (roughly Mar–May) bring the most sustained rainfall; the short rains (often Nov) are usually lighter and easier to travel around.
Wildlife notes
In general, dry months improve game viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water. Wet months can be greener and quieter, but roads in remote areas may be slower.
- Maasai Mara — Peak wildlife viewing in the dry season; migration typically Jul–Oct.
- Amboseli — Great elephant viewing; clear views of Kilimanjaro more likely in dry months.
- Kenyan Coast — Best beach weather in Dec–Mar and Jul–Oct.
Crowds and price levels
Kenya’s peak safari months (especially Jul–Sep) are the busiest and most expensive. For popular conservancies and camps, booking early is essential. Shoulder months can deliver strong wildlife viewing at better rates.
- High season: expect fuller lodges, earlier bookings, and higher nightly rates.
- Shoulder season: a strong balance of conditions and value.
- Low season: lowest rates, but plan for rain and occasional access issues.
Planning checklist
- Pick a travel window based on your main goal (migration, beaches, hiking, cities).
- Confirm park access and road conditions for your route.
- Book key pieces early (popular camps, internal flights) for peak months.
- Build a rain plan (buffer days, flexible activities) for wet months.
Related guides
Sources & references
We link to primary sources where possible (tourism boards, park authorities, and health agencies).